Cancer Pain Assessment and Measurement

Abstract

Objectives: To review the incidence of cancer pain; assessment of acute, chronic, and breakthrough pain; and provide insight on assessment approaches and reliable and valid instruments for clinical and research settings.

Data sources: Peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, Internet.

Conclusion: Quality pain management for patients with cancer is dependent on an accurate pain assessment and ongoing reassessment, considering the whole person. Being knowledgeable about evidence-based pain assessment practices is key.

Implications for nursing practice: Concentrated efforts to address pain assessment barriers and effectively report pain assessments in diverse populations are warranted, especially in this current health care environment when pain assessment is challenging.

Keywords: Barriers; Breakthrough pain; Cancer; Cognitively impaired; Nonverbal; Pain assessment.